Tag Archives: Tropical Storm Orlene

Tropical Storm Orlene Forms South of Mexico

Tropical Storm Orlene formed over the Eastern North Pacific Ocean south of Mexico on Thursday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Storm Orlene was located at latitude 14.8°N and longitude 104.9°W which put it about 295 miles (445 km) south of Manzanillo, Mexico. Orlene was moving toward the west-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1006 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system south of Mexico strengthened on Thursday morning and the National Hurricane Center designated the system as Tropical Storm Orlene. The circulation around Tropical Storm Orlene was organizing quickly. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Orlene’s circulation. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical storm. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Orlene.

Tropical Storm Orlene will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 36 hours. Orlene will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. Orlene will move under the western part of an upper level ridge over Mexico. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Orlene’s circulation. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the wind shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Storm Orlene is likely to intensify during the next 36 hours. Orlene could strengthen to a hurricane by Friday night.

Tropical Storm Orlene will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Mexico. The high pressure system will steer Orlene toward the northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Storm Orlene will move southwest of Mexico. Orlene will move toward the north when it reaches the western end of the ridge. Tropical Storm Orlene could approach the west coast of Mexico in a few days.

Tropical Storm Orlene Develops Rapidly West of Mexico

Tropical Storm Orlene developed rapidly southwest of Baja California on Sunday.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Storm Orlene was located at latitude 16.6°N and longitude 118.3°W which put it about 700 miles (1125 km) southwest of the southern tip of Baja California.  Orlene was moving toward the northwest at 9 m.p.h.  The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 1001 mb.

Tropical Storm Orlene organized quickly on Sunday.  A primary rainband wrapped around the center of circulation and an eye appears to be forming.  Additional spiral bands are rotating around the core of Orlene.  Thunderstorms in the core of Tropical Storm Orlene are generating upper level divergence which is pumping out mass in all directions.  The circulation of Orlene is symmetrical and well formed.

Tropical Storm Orlene is moving through a very favorable environment.  It is moving over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  The upper level winds are weak and there is little vertical wind shear.  Tropical Storm Orlene will continue to intensify on Monday and it could intensify rapidly for another 24 hours.

Tropical Storm Orlene is moving northwest toward a weakness in the subtropical high and that general motion is expected to continue for another day or two.  Eventually, the subtropical ridge is expected to strengthen and turn Tropical Storm Orlene toward the west.